Magnetizing question

[voodoopainter]

I recently came into a lot of new Grey Knights that are partially magnetized, but I would like to complete the job and have never done this before. Anyone have any suggestions as to which size works best for marine/termie armies? I want the little buggers to stay attached but don't want to break the bank. Also, a reasonable US source would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

Dave

[govannon]

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/

This is the company I use. I have had good service with them.

[Dakkar98]

www.amazingmagnets.com

[MagickalMemories]

Thread moved to appropriate forum.


Also, I agree with gov.
K&J are great.

Just measure the magnets that are already in the sockets & get one of the same size. You'll want to buy an appropriate sized bit for your dremel, too.

...and make sure the magnets are powerful enough.


Eric

[voodoopainter]

What's the best way to determine if the magnet strength will be sufficient? I am new to this...

[MagickalMemories]

You got me.
That's where *I* would go ask someone for advice. LOL


I'll forward the thread to someone whose opinion I trust and ask him to chime in.


Eric

[Dakkar98]

After checking both sites, I agree that K&J has better prices.

I look to put in the biggest diameter magnet that it will hold.
For power armor marines this is usually 1/16" ones.
For terminators you might be able to go a size bigger, but I don't know for sure.
Your best bet is to try one with like a falchion and see if it holds well enough for you.
If it doesn't you might need to drill the hole in the arm deeper and stack 2 magnets in the hole.
I have magnetized the flight stands for my gun/shield drones and my son's Gargoyles.

I drill out the end of the stand and set a 1/16" inside the stand and then glued a 1/8" magnet on top of that with another in the body of the drone/gargoyle. I can "drop" the model at the stand and the magnet with grab it. Alternatively, I can hold the gargoyle and shake it "pretty hard", and the stand stays in place.

As a general rule, if you move the model by its base one magnet in the arm and the hand should suffice. If you are in the habit of picking up the model by it's weapon, you might want to sink a second magnet in the arm.

Hope that helps.

[Lormax]

kjmagnetics.com is where I get all the magnets I use for my personal use and commission use. It would be best to match up the magnets you're going to purchase with the ones that are already installed. A quick measurement with a ruler should suffice, though if you aren't quite sure, post up a picture. I'm sure there's a few of us here that can tell you the size just by seeing them.

As to how to do it...don't use a pin vise. You are going to kill your hobby trying it that way. If you don't already have a Dremel I'd highly suggest getting one to do this. A Dremel Stylus is my 'personal' choice..fits in your hand very comfortably for precise work and adjustable speed. A plug-in style Dremel (Like the Dremel 400 and such) will work as well. I have both, and only use the 400 for larger jobs or metal models, as it definitely has a lot more torque than the Stylus and can quickly get away from you if you aren't careful or unfamiliar with the tool. You can find both of these at Home Depot or all over the place online.

You'll want to use a dremel bit the same size as the magnet itself. Makes the fit nice and snug. I also use the cylinder-shaped bit as well afterwards to flatten the hole I've made, as the main bits make a bit of a bowl shape and the magnet doesn't sit flush.

From there it's simply super glue and pop the magnet in. Make sure you don't put it in backwards or the magnets will just repel themselves. I use a metal tool such as an x-acto to get the magnet into the hole, then a bit of sprue to move it around if needed afterwards.

Any questions, feel free to PM me. I've magnetized anything from Termies, Predators, Vipers, Falcons, Crisis Suits, Broadsides, Tyranid MC's, etc etc. I have a Dreadknight on its way to me that I'll need to get done so if you need some help with that as well once you get started doing your own, since you mentioned Grey Knights, just PM me. If you need help with the tools I can do a few quick searches online to match up to what I have...just lemme know.

[MagickalMemories]

Lormax, thanks for chiming in.
Is there a way to tell the relative strength of a particular magnet? If so, what would you suggest?


Eric

[Lormax]

kjmagnetics.com lists the magnet strength on each of the magnets they sell. You'll see they say "Grade N42" or "Grade N52". The higher the number, the stronger the magnet.

[MagickalMemories]

What do you use on metals?

Eric

[Norseman]

I'm cheap so I use the ones from the surplus section...

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ZD4

$3.00 for 100 is a deal

These ones I use for arms and weapons. They are a little weaker than some others us. If I need extra holding power I double up. I use a power drill with metal bits on both pewter and plastic.

For tanks I use...

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ZD1

I actually bought these for my Warhound Titan. I havnt put them on yet but this is for the main waist swivel.

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ZDX2G

[Lormax]

What do you use on metals?

Eric

Well I don't pick up any magnets except their N52 Grade. For 'MOST' metal bits, there hasn't been an issue, though it can come down to a case by case basis. Sometimes they'll need extra reinforcement, such as a pin of some sort. I hate to say it, but it really just depends.

[Norseman]

You just have to place the magnets in a way they are not supporting the direct weight axially. If that is impossible you will need to pin. Pinning is the same as when you do it with gluing except you don't glue one side. The pin joint should be a little snugger that if you were just gluing. The pin holds the axial weight and the magnet just holds it together.

[MagickalMemories]

Thanks for the input, guys. Honestly, I hadn't thought about the pin... not tha I needed it. The only thing I've magnetized lately has been the head on my Kustom Mega Stompa (Yes. Mega STOMPA... it's bigger than a titan LOL).


Eric